Baja Kayaking Adventure

Pre-Trip Preparations Checklist

Baja Kayaking Adventure – Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist

Packing Checklist

Baja Kayaking Adventure – Packing Checklist

Printable Itinerary

Baja Kayaking Adventure 2024 – Printable Itinerary – PDF

Itinerary Disclaimer

Wild Women Expeditions and our local partners intend to adhere to the described itinerary. This is only a general guide to follow on your tour of the region. Our itineraries are subject to change, as we cannot predict the weather or other environmental conditions. We are continually striving to make improvements to all our trips based on feedback from Wild Women members, guides, partners, and other research. We reserve the right to alter itineraries based on the above at any time.

In the event of strong north winds on the Sea of Cortez that make kayaking unsafe, Wild Women Expeditions has two contingency options in place. The itinerary may be delivered differently from what was presented on the website where all activities will still be experienced, simply in a different order. However, if kayaking is not possible (for safety reasons) on the Sea of Cortez, your group will explore an alternative route on the Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula by kayak, camping on sand dunes and paddling in the protection of lush and beautiful mangroves.

Arrivals

Arrival into Los Cabos

Please book your flights to arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) the night before your trip begins. You will need to book accommodation in San Jose Del Cabo for one night – please see recommended pre-trip accommodations for options.

If you require an airport shuttle to your pre-trip hotel in San Jose Del Cabo, we recommend: https://www.cabotransfers.com/

Group Rendezvous Point Day 1

El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo

Time: 11:30am
Location: Hotel lobby of El Encanto Inn (Calle Morelos #133, San Jose del Cabo Baja California Sur, Mexico)

Recommended Pre-Trip Accommodations

We recommend reserving a room at the El Encanto Innwhere you will be picked-up on Day 1.

Other nearby options in San Jose:

Casa Natalia
Hotel Posada Real Los Cabos
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos
Marisol Hotel Boutique
Hyatt Place

Departures

Departure from Los CabosYour return transfer to the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) via private taxi from La Paz will depart after breakfast at about 8 AM.

To ensure you arrive at least 2 hours before your departure, flights should be booked for late afternoon (after 2 PM) or early evening.

If you are extending your stay in Mexico and are returning to the Los Cabos area with the Wild Women Expeditions return transfer, please be sure to arrange further transportation from the airport as this will be the sole taxi drop off location.

Drop-Off Point:

Time: Around 12PM
Location: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Recommended Post-Trip Accommodations

We recommend El Encanto Inn if you are staying in San Jose Del Cabo.

See ‘Recommended Pre-Trip Accommodations’ for other options in San Jose.

If you prefer to stay near the airport, we recommend: Hotel Aeropuerto

Transportation Arrangements

You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:

Megan and Zale | ****Now Boarding Travel Specialist

Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel

Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!,/p>

Passports & Visas

You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country’s Consulate and your country’s travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling to Mexico.

Passport

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.

Visa

Visitors to Mexico must obtain a tourist card (FMM). Major airlines will provide this form during the flight. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information. Keep this card, as it will need to be presented to leave the country. If you lose the card you will have to go through Mexican immigration and be charged approximately $30.00 USD to re-do the tourist paperwork.

Do You Need a Mexican Tourist Card?

Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

Tipping

It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters, valets, tour guides and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10-15% of the total amount of the bill. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, be sure to check this in order to avoid overpaying. You may also visit the link provided under ‘Budgeting’ below within the tab ‘More Money Matters’ for more guidance on tipping.

Most participants tip their guides and other tour staff when they feel they were provided great service. We are often asked what an appropriate amount is and most participants who provide a gratuity for their guides and other tour staff, have each tipped in the range of $11 – $20 USD per day or $90 – $175 USD for an 8 day expedition. Tips should be given to the lead guide who will share the gratuity with auxiliary staff that are directly related to the trip, drivers, boat skippers, etc.

Accommodation Details

Rooming Arrangements

Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum of two people per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel companion.

Private Upgrade

If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom or tent, we have a single supplement option. Single room upgrades are subject to availability and we will confirm this with you following your request.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are provided upon request and you will have the opportunity to note this request in your Travel Details Form.

If you are planning to bring your own, please ensure it is a lightweight sleeping bag with a compression sack (should be 3-season or rated to at least 5°C)

Note: Sleeping bags must fit into a 20L dry bag in order to fit into the kayak hatches.

Bathrooms

At the hotels, you’ll have an ensuite or private bathroom attached to your bedroom.

At the private campground near Santiago, there is an outhouse with a composting toilet.

During the camping portion of the trip, you will receive instructions on how to use the ‘facilities’. On Isla Espiritu Santo, there is a strict “leave no trace” practice on the land. You will be asked to pee below the tide line, behind the pee screen, along the water away from your campsite, and your guides will also set-up a port-a-potty in a private area near the campsite. A solar shower is set-up on the island during the camping portion of the trip. All potable water is brought in the motor boat (panga) in garafons. It will be served ice chilled from the 5 gallon thermos so you can continually refill your personal water bottles.

On-Trip Hygiene & Bathrooms

Wild Women Expeditions recommends you bring along biodegradable wipes (hand sanitizer is available) to use post-washroom and pre-meals.

On the sea kayak expedition, all garbage will be packed out by the motorboat.

A porta-toilet is carried throughout the trip, to be used while at the campsite(s). During the day, expect to pee below the high tide line. The porta-toilet is similar to the image linked and will be placed in a discreet location away from the main camp. Think plein air bathroom!

Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage

Wireless Internet is available at the Hotel Catedral and may be available at the Mangrove Inn.

Potable Water

Purified water is provided throughout the expedition (carried in collapsible containers). It is advised to not drink the tap water, even in major hotels. Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available.

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

Lifestraw

GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection

Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge

Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay

Private Campsite near Santiago

Our first night will be spent at a special private campsite in a canyon near Santiago adjacent to some protected and pristine hot springs still in its natural state! You will be camping in a designated area. There is also a thatched roofed dining shelter and composting toilets on site.

Hotel Catedral La Paz

This hotel is part of the historic centre of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz strives to offer its guests excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.

Camping on Espiritu Santo Island

During your coastal kayak trip, high-quality sleeping tents will be supplied, along with a Thermarest sleeping pad and communal camping gear. All camping gear and food are carried in the kayaks. Bathroom facilities are minimal including a port-a-potty. Be prepared to pee below the high tide line. Please note that there are few suitable campsites on the island and we may share campsites with other groups.

Quick Facts About Baja

Get stoked! Trip Preview Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTnCNZ03uEY

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette

One of the greatest attractions to our trips is the wildlife we may encounter while hiking, paddling, on the boat tour or in transit along highways. Our guides are well versed in the areas we kayak, the habits of the local wildlife, and they regularly communicate with other kayakers, whale watchers, and researchers to improve our wildlife viewing possibilities. But please keep in mind that wildlife is just that, wild, and we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings.When we encounter wildlife, we have some basic rules that must be followed to ensure that wildlife is not adversely affected by our presence. The main goal when viewing any wildlife is not to disturb their normal activities. Your guides instruct you to stay close together as a group when viewing any wildlife and position the group appropriately to minimize any disturbance to the wildlife. Feeding wild animals is strictly forbidden. There are provincial and federal laws that can result in fines and/or jail terms for feeding wildlife. At your pre-trip meeting, your guides will review our approach to wildlife viewing.

Swimming with Sea Lions

Snorkel with a ‘buddy’, taking particular care to be mindful of currents.
Let the sea lions swim to you rather than chasing them. They are naturally curious and if you’re patient you will enjoy a close encounter.
Do not corner them and respect their territory – if a sea lion blows bubbles in your face you are too close and should move away slowly.
Avoid a staring match – this could antagonize them. Rather appear disinterested so they do not feel threatened by your presence.
Do not touch or hold on to them!
Swimming with the sea lions is a great experience with very few-reported incidences but remember they are wild animals, and you should be aware of the risks involved.

Paddling Conditions

Baja is well known for its gorgeous aquamarine tranquil seas and has thus become a mecca for kayakers of all abilities. In fact, it is one of the most popular paddling destinations throughout the northern hemisphere during the winter months. However, it should not go unmentioned that there are regular north winds that can reach 20+mph.

These “northerlies” are particularly present between mid-November and mid-March and can sometimes blow for three days at a time, though more commonly they are limited to being strong afternoon breezes. These winds can create tough paddling conditions – waves, choppy water, etc.

Espiritu Santo has some deep fjord-like bays that provide protection from these prevailing winds, but there could be day(s) when we cannot kayak. It may still be possible to practice kayak skills – rescues, the roll, even surfing but not possible to advance from one bay to another. Your guides are highly experienced, and they will always offer alternative activities if it is not deemed safe to kayak – hiking, snorkelling in a protected bay, etc.

Common Natural Hazards

Dehydration & sunburn: The sun unfailingly claims the biggest number of casualties – please take appropriate precautions to avoid joining the statistics.
Wind: The Baja ‘Norte’ blows regularly and unexpectedly between November and April. Pre-trip planning and constant vigilance for a change in the weather are essential ingredients for a successful expedition.
Stingrays: Adopt the ‘stingray shuffle’ technique. Stingrays hide under the sand of shallow waters. Wear footwear and shuffle your feet while in the water, this will scare the stingrays away. If you fall victim, place the wound in a pot with hot water and vinegar. Continue to add hot water to maintain temperature. After one hour the pain should dissipate.
Jelly Fish: Keep an eye out, particularly during the warm water months. If inflicted avoid scratching the area. Apply Cortisone cream, or urine with hot sand will work very well.
Stone Fish: These are very dangerous and fortunately rare. Do not stand up on rocky areas while snorkelling.
Rattlesnakes & Scorpions: They are rare but keep an eye out when hiking. Also, keep your tent zipped up to avoid these and other unwelcome visitors.
Puffer Fish: You will find numerous puffers washed up on the shoreline along with other treacherous objects. These cause the second most frequent injuries.

Kayak & Kayak Safety

There will be a combination of single (solo) and tandem (double) kayaks on trip and manufacturers may include; Seaward, Prijon, Current Design, Delta and Necky. Please understand that single kayak cockpits are max 15” wide and may not be able to accommodate larger people.

There will be kayak orientation on Day 3. This may include things like: demonstration and practice of wet exits, how to use all the kayak equipment, how to pack your kayak, how we will travel in the kayaks, how we can work together and paddle safe, campsite protocol, reviewing natural hazards etc.

The guides try to rotate people around so that everyone has a chance to paddle the different boats. Please let Wild Women Expeditions know if you have a strong preference between a single or a double so that we can take it into account.

For practical purposes, the trip needs at least one double kayak both for safety reasons and for gear carrying capacity. Ideally, it is preferred to have at least half the group in doubles and then trade around amongst the participants that are happy to paddle either. The guides will have the final safety ‘call,’ and much will depend on the forecast for the particular day.

Weather & Climate

Weather Conditions and Sea Temperature Chart

Money Matters

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

Currency Exchange Offices & Banks

Mexico’s official currency is the Peso. Merchants and businesses are no longer allowed to change U.S. dollars for pesos, but they will tell you the location of the nearest currency exchange office or bank.

You will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports throughout Mexico, identified by the “Exchange” sign. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money. The exchange rate is usually shown as “buy” or “purchase”, which shows how many pesos you will receive for each dollar.

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

The most convenient way to buy pesos is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Please do not accept any help from people who are not bank employees.

Banks

Not all banks provide the service of exchanging pesos and dollars, and some require you to have an account with them. Ask someone at your hotel to tell you about the location of the nearest bank where tourists can exchange their currency. You will also need a valid passport to make the exchange.

Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, you will find that it provides one of the best exchange rates. Although you will not receive pesos directly, your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Budgeting

Here is a general guide to budgeting in Mexico:

Money and Costs in Mexico – Lonely Planet

Sales Taxes

The general VAT (Value added tax) rate is 16%.

Useful Websites

Getting Fit

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy a Wild Women expedition but being prepared for the terrain, elevation and challenges will add to your confidence. Begin conditioning your body months in advance so you can easily adjust to the trip’s itinerary—whether it’s sleeping in a tent, being able to comfortably swim a certain distance or paddling for three consecutive hours.

Swimming is a big part of this trip if you want to see the marine life up close, therefore, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer. Sea kayaking requires sustained effort and conditions can be challenging!Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by increasing your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training. Many community centres offer programs that can keep you on track. We can also help you find a basic kayak skills program in your area.

Please note: All gear (tents, food and personal items) will be carried in your kayak when we move campsites on the island, adding additional weight to your kayak.

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Take every opportunity you can to be active.

You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!

Rev up your ticker!

Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.

Join a local walking or running group.

This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

Hill training.

The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

Warm up, cool down and stretch.

If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.

Take a kayak lesson!

Although this trip is beginner-friendly and your guides will lead you through a full orientation once on the trip, if you haven’t paddled a kayak before, taking a lesson with a local kayak outfitter will help increase your confidence (even a pool session will help get you into the groove).

Break in your hiking boots.

Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.

Hydration.

When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Nutrition.

Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!

Have fun!

The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.

General FAQs

For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click here.

Camping, Snorkelling and Whale Watching in Mexico

About the Experience

About the Experience

What's Included

The trip was everything I hoped for and more. Basically day after day of incredible encounters with the natural world. Lots of fun, great people, overall amazing.

Denise

I loved meeting new people, doing lots of kayaking, eating delicious foods and trying new ones, camping with comfortable camping mats and seeing the beautiful scenery in Mexico.

Sarah

The variety of opportunities, and the maturity of a tour that provided flexibility for members to sometimes choose whether/what to participate in (hiking vs. beach, for example). The general atmosphere was one of community and tolerance, open-mindedness, and our guides were FANTASTIC!

Kirsa

The trip was absolutely amazing. Snorkeling with the sea lions – three of which surrounded me at one point, playing with me and swimming under my arms and legs (one even tried to stuff his head under my life jacket) was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Jill

Frolicking with sea lion pups, swimming with 30-foot whale sharks and watching grey whales and their calves right by our boat. What an insanely beautiful and spiritual experience to see these creatures in the wild!

Sherry

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ARE YOU A WILD WOMAN?

Baja Kayaking Adventure

Camping, Snorkelling and Whale Watching in Mexico

About the Experience

About the Experience

What's Included

The trip was everything I hoped for and more. Basically day after day of incredible encounters with the natural world. Lots of fun, great people, overall amazing.

Denise

I loved meeting new people, doing lots of kayaking, eating delicious foods and trying new ones, camping with comfortable camping mats and seeing the beautiful scenery in Mexico.

Sarah

The variety of opportunities, and the maturity of a tour that provided flexibility for members to sometimes choose whether/what to participate in (hiking vs. beach, for example). The general atmosphere was one of community and tolerance, open-mindedness, and our guides were FANTASTIC!

Kirsa

The trip was absolutely amazing. Snorkeling with the sea lions – three of which surrounded me at one point, playing with me and swimming under my arms and legs (one even tried to stuff his head under my life jacket) was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Jill

Frolicking with sea lion pups, swimming with 30-foot whale sharks and watching grey whales and their calves right by our boat. What an insanely beautiful and spiritual experience to see these creatures in the wild!

Sherry

This trip date is fully booked, but you can join the waitlist to be notified if/when a spot opens up!

Join the Baja Kayaking Adventure Hotlist

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